Small-caps predicted to soar in 2021! 2 cheap UK shares I’d buy for the new bull market

Small-caps have outperformed larger-cap companies in recent months. And I like these UK shares that are expected to keep soaring too!

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

UK share prices have rallied since early November there are still plenty of top stocks trading too cheaply today, I feel. It’s a drum we beat regularly here at The Motley Fool. And it’s a theory that many City brokers are expressing as we move into 2021 too.

The outlook for the UK economy might be grim due to a mix of a long Covid-19 hangover and an uncertain Brexit solution. But the prospect of a global economic rebound following solid coronavirus vaccine news is compelling for UK share investors. We could be at the start of a new bull market. And I’m still buying for my Stocks and Shares ISA to capitalise on any stock market rebound.

Small-caps tipped to continue outperforming

A recent survey from MBH Corporation suggests that small-cap UK shares, as well as US and German small-caps, are particularly good investments right now.

The investment specialists say that 80% of professional investors “think small and micro-caps are a good investment opportunity in the current market”. And of the 117 investors it surveyed, a whopping 76% reckon that investors in UK shares should increase their exposure to smaller-cap stocks during the next six to 12 months.

MBH Corporation says that small and micro-cap share indices have been outperforming mid and large cap indices in 2020. Some 71% of those who were surveyed reckon they will continue to perform better than bigger UK shares during the next six months as well.

Businessman leading a chart upwards

2 cheap UK shares on my ISA shopping list

There are many small-cap stocks on my own Stocks and Shares ISA watchlist today. A large number of these in fact look too cheap to miss at current prices, I think. Let me talk you through two of these cheap UK shares that I’m thinking of buying.

#1: Devro

I’d happily invest in sausage casings maker Devro for 2021 and hold it for years to come. Demand for its sausage casings continues to grow and margins keep on rising too. I reckon this particular UK share could experience rocketing earnings growth this decade as sales to emerging markets take off. Devro’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9 times for next year provides exceptional value for stock pickers like me. And it carries a mighty 6% dividend yield as well.

#2: Forterra

Brickmaker Forterra is another cut-price corker on my ISA watchlist. Housebuilding in the UK took a whack in 2020 as Covid-19 lockdowns caused workers to down tools. However, construction rates will improve sharply from next year, supercharging demand for Forterra’s products. And building levels will remain strong throughout this new decade as new homes demand rockets (the UK government plans to create 300,000 new homes each year). This particular share trades on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) rating of 0.1 for 2021. It boasts a handy 2.5% dividend yield as well. As a result, I think it’s worthy of serious attention at current prices.

Royston Wild has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Devro. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

British pound data
Investing Articles

Starting with nothing? Here’s why now is the perfect time to start building a passive income

Many are worried that 2026 might be a bad time to start investing in stocks and shares. Our Foolish author…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

Decided not to bother with a Stocks and Shares ISA? You might be missing these 3 things!

With a fresh annual allowance for contributing to a Stocks and Shares ISA upon us, what might people who don't…

Read more »

GSK scientist holding lab syringe
Investing Articles

Why is everyone buying GSK shares?

GSK shares have been outperforming the FTSE 100 in 2026. Paul Summers takes a closer look and asks whether this…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man pulling an aggrieved face while looking at a screen
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in easyJet shares at the start of 2026 is now worth…

Anyone buying easyJet shares will have endured a rough ride since January. Paul Summers wonders whether things could get even…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

5 years ago, £5,000 bought 2,645 Barclays shares. But how many would it buy now?

Despite delivering an impressive return since April 2021, Barclays' shares have lagged the FTSE 100's other banks. James Beard considers…

Read more »

Side of boat fuelled by gas to liquids, advertising Shell GTL Fuel
Investing Articles

5 years ago, £5,000 bought 354 Shell shares. But how many would it buy now?

When it comes to Shell’s numbers, most of them are impressive. And it’s no different when looking at the recent…

Read more »

A rear view of a female in a bright yellow coat walking along the historic street known as The Shambles in York, UK which is a popular tourist destination in this Yorkshire city.
Investing Articles

I asked ChatGPT if I should buy Aviva, Diageo or BAE Systems stock and it said…

Aviva, Diageo and BAE Systems shares are popular FTSE 100 picks. But which of the three does ChatGPT like the…

Read more »

Tesla car at super charger station
Investing Articles

SpaceX’s IPO threatens to leave the Tesla share price on the forecourt

As Elon Musk starts fuelling the engines for a SpaceX IPO, could the Tesla share price get left in the…

Read more »